Oswego County and Central New York's impact on War of 1812 focus of April 2 symposium

Historians are getting ready to commemorate the War of 1812’s 200th anniversary next year year, and Oswego County wants to ensure everyone knows about the county’s part of that history.

A daylong War of 1812 Symposium symposium is planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2 at The American Foundry in Oswego.

Speakers throughout the day will talk about various aspects of the war and Central New York’s parts in it.

“We had to take it on our own since the state didn’t think the War of 1812 was important enough to commemorate,” said David Turner, director of planning, tourism and community development.

In September, Gov. David Paterson vetoed the creation of a War of 1812 commission, which would have coordinated and promoted events through 2015. A spokesman for the governor at that time said Paterson vetoed all bills that did not include funding in the budget.

The veto meant sites across New York still can commemorate the war, but must do so without promotional help from the state.

People attending the symposium will hear Richland Town Historian Shawn Doyle talk about the extensive research he has done on gravestones and documents to list Oswego County residents who fought in the War of 1812.

Sackets Harbor historian Gary Gibson will talk about the war’s primary supply route, which ran through Oswego to Sackets Harbor. Paul Lear, site director at Fort Ontario, will talk about the Battle of Oswego.

Matthew MacVittie of the Onondaga Historical Association will give a presentation about American and British military tactics and Dick Palmer will discuss William Cooper’s Ark.

There also will be a question-and-answer period at the end of the day.

Kelly Jordal, of the Oswego County Office of Community Development, Tourism and Planning, said a group of historians got together in Albany last year to discuss how the War of 1812 could be remembered during events in 2011 and 2012.

She said previously that the group decided it was imperative for sites throughout the state to develop programs to educate people about the War of 1812 and promote tourism.

War of 1812 event

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2.
Where: The American Foundry, 246 W. Seneca St., Oswego.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for students (with a valid ID) and includes lunch.
Reservations: Must be made by March 25 through the Friends of Fort Ontario via this email address or by calling 343-4711.